AGRI302087 Ethnobotany - research and application


Type
Seminar
Semester hours
4
Lecturer (assistant)
Schunko, Christoph , Vogl, Christian R.
Organisation
Organic Farming
Offered in
Sommersemester 2026
Languages of instruction
Englisch

Content

Ethnobotany is the study of the reciprocal relationships between people and plants. It explores how human societies manage, use and value plants for food, medicine or rituals, and how these activities affect the plants in turn. In this course, we delve into the cultural, ecological and economic dimensions of human–plant interactions, emphasising their relevance to organic agricultural systems and agroecology. In particular, students study local, traditional and indigenous knowledge systems about (wild) plant management, stewardship and use, worldviews and beliefs about plants, and the relevance of ethnobotany for agrobiodiversity conservation and food sovereignty.

Previous knowledge expected

No specific previous knowledge expected.

Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to
•Discuss the reciprocal relationships between human cultures and plants
•Explain the relevance of human-plant co-productions for organic farming and agroecology
•Design and apply research methodologies to investigate ethnobotanical knowledge, practices and beliefs
•Analyse and synthesise findings about the complex interrelations between human cultures and plants
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.